There are sister site arrangements and other collaborative activities across the East Asian – Australasian Flyway (EAAF) in relation to sites in the Flyway Site Network (The Network) of the EAAF Partnership (EAAFP). These are listed in Table 1.
Being a Network site of the EAAFP will offer a better chance to be engaged with other sites in the Network, to conduct collaborative research on shared species and exchange information and experience, which can build the capacity of site managers.
The EAAFP encourages further cooperation between existing or potential Network sites. The present list may not include all the arrangements and diverse activities in place along the Flyway. Please contact Communication Officer of the Secretariat if you would like to provide further information.
Table 1. Existing sister site arrangements and other collaborative activities involving Network sites in the East Asian – Australasian Flyway
| Country | City or Management Authority | Site Name | Site Name | City or Management Authority | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | China, People’s Republic | Dandong City | Yalujiang National Nature Reserve | Firth of Thames | Miranda Naturalists’ Trust | New Zealand |
| 2 | Korea, Republic of | Changwon City | Junam Reservoir | Kejo-numa | Osaki City, Miyagi Prefecture | Japan |
| 3 | China, People’s Republic | Qiqihar City | Zhalong National Nature Reserve | Janghang Wetland Protected area | Goyang City | Korea, Republic of |
| 4 | Australia | Brisbane City | Moreton Bay, Boondall wetlands | Yatsu-higata | Narashino City Chiba prefecture | Japan |
| 5 | Australia | Newcastle City | Hunter River Estuary Wetlands | Kushiro Wetland | Kushiro City Hokkaido |
Japan |
| 6 | Korea, Republic of | Suncheon City | Suncheon Bay | Arasaki | Izumi City Kagoshima Prefecture |
Japan |
| 7 | Japan | Nagoya City | Fujimae Tidal Flat | Swan Bay Tidal Flats* | Greater Geelong City | Australia |
* The site not included in the Flyway Site Network
In 2004 Miranda Naturalists’ Trust (MNT) signed a memorandum of understanding which established a sister-site partnership with the Yalujiang National Nature Reserve (NNR). Since then, various programs including surveys, training of staff, speaking to local schools and public awareness have been conducted in Yalujiang NNR as a cooperative program to conserve species common to the two sites.
Major focus: Shorebird
Between Changwon city and Osaki city, a memorandum of understanding was signed to conserve wetlands and promote international cooperation in Osaki city in 2009. Both Kejo-numa and Junam Reservoir comprise a system of water storage wetland and rice paddy fields. A workshop to promote cooperation between Junam Reservoir and Kabukuri numa was held in November 2009 in Changwon.
Major focus: Anatidae (Greater White-fronted Goose, Thick-billed Bean Goose, Baikal Teal)
Qiqihar city and Goyang city have signed a memorandum of understanding to promote international cooperation between Zhalong National Nature Reserve and Janghang Wetland Protected area with support from UNDP/GEF Korea Wetland Project.
Major focus: Crane (White-naped Crane)
Narashino City and the Brisbane City Council have agreed on the First Five-year plan (1998 - 2003) and also the Second Five-Year Plan (2004 - 2009) for the Wetlands Affiliation Agreement. These plans support conservation initiatives along the East Asian – Australasian Flyway, exchange of information in relation to wetland conservation and the protection of migratory shorebirds in both cities, and training persons involved in wetland conservation.
In addition, the Memorandum of Understanding on Education Cooperation (2003 - 2006) was agreed, to exchange information, conduct training, increase awareness in education and encourage visitors to their local communities following the successful 2002 trial exchange (Oct. 22, 2003).
Major focus: Shorebird
Wetlands in the Kushiro area (Kushiro-shitsugen, Akkeshi-ko and Bekanbeushi-shitsugen, and Kiritappu-shitsugen) formed a sister-wetland affiliation with Kooragang Wetland and the surrounding wetlands in the Hunter region, New South Wales, South-eastern Australia, in November 1994. (Since the 2004 renewal of sister wetland affiliation agreements, its name was changed to the Hunter River Estuary Wetlands.) The sister-wetland affiliation aims to promote conservation and wise use of wetlands and exchange techniques and knowledge of wetland conservation.
Major focus: Shorebird (Latham’s Snipe)
In 2009, Suncheon City, Korea, and Izumi City, Japan, agreed to cooperate for conserving Hooded Cranes and management of their habitats. Suncheon and Izumi will exchange information regarding the internationally important sites for Cranes and promote activities through international networks and improve environmental policies. In addition, the cities will collaborate for developing eco-tourism and international events based on the agreement.
Major focus: Hooded Crane
On May 22, 2007, a wetland affiliation was signed between Nagoya City, Japan, and Geelong City, Australia. Nagoya manages the Fujimae Tidal Flat and Geelong manages the Swan Bay Tidal Flats.
The website with live webcams on both sites is one of a number of actions to come from a joint wetlands agreement between the City of Nagoya and the City of Greater Geelong. A web camera in each location will relay live coverage of the wetlands allowing people to watch in real time the summer and winter habitats of birds that migrate between Geelong and Nagoya. The wetlands website can be accessed at www.geelongaustralia.com.au/wetlands.
Major focus: Shorebird
Singapore’s Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve (a Network site) operates the Sister Wetland Affiliation Programme (SWAP), which facilitates collaboration of sister wetlands and sister schools in the East Asian – Australasian region for conservation of wetlands and protection of migratory shorebirds. It is an Inter-school Education Programme on Wetland Conservation and Management. Local schools in Singapore conducted an inter-school program with Hong Kong schools in 2008 and with Mishima High School, Japan, in 2010.